Man arrested for attempting to meet 12-year-old boy for sex

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County Human Trafficking Task Force arrested a man who attempted to solicit a 12-year-old boy for sex.

Franklin L Thorne Jr., 48, of Columbiana County, is in the Mahoning County jail on charges of attempted rape, importuning, compelling prostitution, disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, attempted endangering children and possession of criminal tools.

Throne engaged with investigators over months and arranged a meeting with an officer he believed was a 12-year-old boy at an undisclosed location in Austintown, law enforcement officials said.

Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene said his office will continue to investigate these crimes.

“This issue with these people coming to prey upon our kids online is something we’re not going to let go of,” Greene said.